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2015 GMC Sierra problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2015 GMC Sierra has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 12safety recalls
- 938owner complaints
- 35crash reports
- 16fire reports
- 17injuries reported
The most complained-about GMC Sierra year on file: 938 complaints, against an average of 453 for the other 14 model years.
Every GMC Sierra model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2015 GMC Sierra?
The components named most often in the 938 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2015 GMC Sierra owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 938 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2015 GMC Sierra?83 owners · 8.8%
- Why does my 2015 GMC Sierra stall, lose power or shut off while driving?57 owners · 6.1%
- Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2015 GMC Sierra?50 owners · 5.3% · Recall 19V761000
- Why is the air conditioning not blowing cold in my 2015 GMC Sierra?33 owners · 3.5%
- Why does my 2015 GMC Sierra transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?29 owners · 3.1%
Has the 2015 GMC Sierra been recalled?
12 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator, or the inflator sidewall may rupture.
Risk: A separated inflator end cap or inflator rupture can allow compressed gas to escape, resulting in the end cap or other components being propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the left and right side RRAB modules, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on August 18, 2021. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy is available. Phase I owner notification letters were mailed on May 5, 2022. Phase II owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 31, 2022. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. This recall supersedes NHTSA recall number 20V-736. GM's number for this recall is N202324251.
Seat Belts: Front General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe, and 2014-2015 GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles that may have received an incorrect replacement tensioner cable assembly as part of a previous recall remedy or a subsequent repair. The flexible steel cable connecting the driver's seat belt to the outboard side of the seat may be repeatedly bent over the seat side shield as the driver enters and exits the vehicle causing the cable to fatigue and separate.
Risk: A broken pretensioner cable reduces the effectiveness of the driver's seat belt, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver seat belt lap pretensioner, free of charge. The recall began on May 5, 2021. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212330040.
Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 1500 and Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2015 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500, and Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and 3500 trucks. The roof-rail air bag (RRAB) inflator end cap may detach from the inflator.
Risk: If the end cap separates from the inflator, the compressed gas will escape and the end cap can be propelled into the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury or a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RRAB modules on the left and/or right side, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on December 22, 2020. Owners may contact GMC customer service at 1-888-988-7267 or Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. Note: GM filed a new recall, number 21V-504 that supersedes this recall. All vehicles previously recalled under 20V-736 will now be repaired under the new recall number 21V-504. GM's numbers for this recall are N202309680, N202309681, and N202309682.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip: Wheel Speed Sensor/Tone Ring General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2020 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, and GMC Yukon, and 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles equipped with a 5.3-liter engine, a 3.08-ratio rear axle and four-wheel drive. If a wheel-speed sensor fails, while the vehicle is traveling between 41 and 60 mph in four-wheel or automatic mode, the Electronic-Brake Control Module (EBCM) software may activate the driveline-protection system.
Risk: Unintended activation of the driveline-protection system will cause unintended braking on the wheel on the opposite side of the failed sensor, causing the vehicle to pull to one side unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192261050.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Power Assist: Vacuum General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade, 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2015-2018 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Yukon vehicles. The amount of vacuum created by the vacuum pump may decrease over time.
Risk: As the vacuum level drops, the brake assist decreases, increasing braking effort, extending the distance required to stop the vehicle, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the Electronic Brake Control Module, free of charge. The recall began October 8, 2019. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-630-2438, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N192268490.
Steering: Electric Power Assist System General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Sierra 1500 and Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade vehicles. Electric power steering (EPS) assist may be lost momentarily, followed by a sudden return of EPS assist.
Risk: If EPS assist is lost and then suddenly returns, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle, especially at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will update the EPS module software, free of charge. The recall began October 12, 2018. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18289.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Pedals And Linkages General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 3500, 1500 Crew Cab Special Service, Tahoe Police Pursuit/Special Service, GMC Sierra 2500, and 3500 vehicles. The brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
Risk: If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the nut and reinstall the nut with increased tightness, free of charge. The recall began October 3, 2018. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 18278. Note: The vehicles in this recall need this additional remedy despite being covered by recall 16V069 for brake pedal loosening.
Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Auxillary Tank General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2011-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 and GMC Sierra 3500 trucks equipped with dual fuel tanks. The low fuel level sensor for the front tank may stick causing the rear tank to overfill the front tank.
Risk: If the front tank overfills, the excess pressure may cause the front tank to expand and contact the driveshaft, possibly resulting in a hole in the tank. The hole will leak fuel, which in the presence of an ignition source, can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: GM has notified owners, and dealers will replace the rear tank fuel pump or update the fuel-level sensor software, as well as inspect the front tank, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2017. Owners may contact GM customer service for Chevrolet 1-800-222-1020 or for GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17399.
Air Bags: Frontal General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse and Chevrolet Spark EV, Caprice PPV and SS vehicles, 2014-2017 Buick Encore and Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles, 2015-2016 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Trax, Suburban and Silverado 2500 and 3500 and GMC Yukon and Yukon XL vehicles, and 2015-2017 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 vehicles. While being previously remedied for recall 16V-651, the affected vehicles may not have received the complete software update necessary to remedy the recall condition. Without the update, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 4, 2017. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 17287.
Air Bags: Frontal General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2017 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD, 3500 HD, Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Sierra 2500 HD and 3500 HD, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Cadillac Escalade and Cadillac Escalade ESV vehicles and 2014-2017 Chevrolet Corvette, Silverado 1500, Trax, Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle, GMC Sierra 1500, Buick Encore, and 2014-2016 Buick Lacrosse, Chevrolet Spark EV and SS vehicles. In the affected vehicles, certain driving conditions may cause the air bag sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) software to activate a diagnostic test. During this test, deployment of the frontal air bags and the seat belt pretensioners would not occur in the event of a crash.
Risk: A failure of the front air bags or seat belt pretensioners to deploy in the event of a crash necessitating deployment increases the risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reflash the SDM software. Vehicles that have had a previous air bag deployment will have the SDM replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 13, 2016. Owners may contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300, Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006, Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020, or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 16007.
Seat Belts General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 trucks manufactured January 29, 2013, to January 21, 2015. While entering the vehicle, the seat belt tensioner cable may be positioned such that the driver slides over it. This movement may result in the fatigue and separation of the cable.
Risk: If the tensioner cable separates, the driver may not be properly restrained in the event of a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent the tensioner from being damaged. Any tensioner that has already been damaged will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 15822.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic: Pedals And Linkages General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 1, 2013, to February 1, 2016, 2015-2016 Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicles (PPV) manufactured March 1, 2014, to February 1, 2016, and 2015-2016 GMC Sierra 2500 and 3500 heavy duty trucks manufactured October 29, 2013, to February 1, 2016. On the affected vehicles, the brake pedal pivot nut may loosen, causing the brake pedal to be loose or inoperative.
Risk: If the brake pedal becomes loose or inoperative, the driver may be unable to stop the vehicle by using the brake pedal. Additionally, a loose pedal may also interfere with the accelerator pedal. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will add adhesive to the brake pedal pivot nut and reinstall with an increased torque, free of charge. The recall began on March 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020 or GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is 20760.
Is the 2015 GMC Sierra recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
EU Safety GateDue to a manufacturing defect of the head protection airbags, the gas generator cover(s) may detach, allowing compressed gas to escape and…Due to a manufacturing defect of the head protection airbags, the gas generator cover(s) may detach, allowing compressed gas to escape and the cover(s) to be catapulted into the vehicle, creating a risk of injury to the occupants.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2015 GMC Sierra owners report?
12 of the 938 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
The 6-speed automatic transmission (6L80) developed a severe shudder during normal driving. A service center diagnosed the problem as torque converter clutch failure; the torque converter sheds metal debris through the transmission, so the transmission now requires a full rebuild quoted at approximately $6,000. The failure occurred at approximately 92,000 miles in October 2026 (incident date is approximate). This is a widely documented failure pattern on GM 6L80 transmissions. Loss of reliable power delivery from the transmission is a safety concern. No crash, no injuries, and no fire…
In August, 2019, at 93,672 miles, GM covered a lifter failure on our 2015 GMC Sierra, V8 AFM engine. Only the left side was repaired. Now, in 2026 at 130,000, the right side has the same issue and needs repair. The estimate to repair is $16,697. This is a known issue and a safety concern.
The transmission Started Shuddering, it would slip occasionally and slipped badly when i was driving in rush hour traffic in the middle of a left turn. had no power for several seconds then it finally reengaged. The shuddering got worse and worse to the point i took it to a transmission shop to look at it and they said i needed a replacement transmission unit. I did get a replacement unit, the whole process was extremely unpleasant. The previous unit was sent as a core to be remanufactured. The company that i used to get a remanufactured unit is Fraser Transmissions. No warning lamps appeared…
Power steering seems to be lost for a second or two at low speeds turning. Happens multiple times a day.
My 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 recently started having all the symptoms under GM internal recall number 18289. I lose my power steering briefly and the electronics turn off momentarily. I lose dash, AC, radio and GPS. It comes back on within a second or two and only does this during low speed turning. I ran my VIN but it does not show under this recall despite having the correct Make/Model/Year. It is currently at the shop because it isn't safe to drive and I was hoping I could get a reimbursement for the repairs. NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V586000 (GM's Internal Number: 18289)
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 3500. The contact stated that the brake pedal and accelerator pedal lifted while depressed, causing the engine to rev. There were no warning lights illuminated. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
From time to time since I got the vehicle, the lights flicker inside and out. I've had the alternator changed but it continues. Then when pressing the lock button on the key fob the horn sounds as if it has a shortage. Sometimes its loud and sometimes it's barely heard.
When backing up, either on a hill or flat surface, the brakes fail to stop the vehicle. There is a pulsing sensation with the brakes due to failure of the vacuum. The brake pedal also becomes impossible to depress. No warning lights appear when this occurs.
The contact owns a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500. While traveling on a two-lane highway at approximately 55 MPH, another vehicle suddenly turned into the contact's lane, resulting in a severe frontal "T-bone" collision. The force of the impact caused the other vehicle to be propelled into a ditch, while the contact's vehicle remained on the roadway. Despite the significant nature of the crash and the speed involved, no air bags deployed. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 218,000.
Truck started to make loud clunking noise when driving taken it to two shops and wrong parts were installed as stated below. Bought from a used car dealership and they sold it as is now with the wrong parts.
Headlights on this vehicle, since purchased, have not cast enough light in order to see in unlit backroads, or extrememly dim areas. I have to drive with my brights on constantly, in order to get enough light thrown onto the road, for the left and right sides, as well as the front. These were not working well since purchase. I took my child to a friends house in rural PA, and I literally could NOT SEE THE street signs, let alone far enough down the road. I nearly hit a stone wall.. My eyes keep asking to see more, but truck does not produce enough headlight. I even went to the eye doctor…
Lack of illumination of headlights straight ahead. No light shines to the sides of the vehicle making it difficult to see left or right when negotiating a turn at night. I have put new bulbs in both sides the best money can buy at CarQuest with no improvement. The headlight lenses are not dirty or fogged over. It appears to be a design problem, and I have seen other people with this model truck complain about the same thing on some blogs. I contacted GM directly looking for information I can get on a possible upgrade, and they have offered not solution. I have had this issue with this vehicle…
2015 GMC Sierra: questions owners ask
Is the 2015 GMC Sierra reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 938 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 GMC Sierra; the most common categories were service brakes (251, 26.8%), exterior lighting (162, 17.3%), power train (125, 13.3%). There are 12 safety recalls. 35 complaints mention a crash, 16 mention a fire, 17 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2015 GMC Sierra?
Across 938 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are service brakes (26.8% of complaints), exterior lighting (17.3% of complaints), power train (13.3% of complaints), electrical system (12.9% of complaints), engine (10.6% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2015 GMC Sierra have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2015 GMC Sierra; the most recent (campaign 21V504000, 2021-07-01) concerns Air Bags: Side/Window: Curtain: Inflator. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why do the headlights or taillights fail on my 2015 GMC Sierra?
83 of the 938 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 GMC Sierra (8.8%) describe headlights, taillights or brake lights failing or condensation in the lamps. One owner wrote: "Lack of illumination of headlights straight ahead. No light shines to the sides of the vehicle making it difficult to see left or right when negotiating a turn at night." (NHTSA complaint 11644591, February 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2015 GMC Sierra stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
57 of the 938 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 GMC Sierra (6.1%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. One owner wrote: "Active Fuel Management Miss firing Idle rough Shaking Loss of power #7 cylinder loss of all compression Bad fuel mileage Skipping" (NHTSA complaint 11732442, April 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why do the brakes feel soft, fail or make noise on my 2015 GMC Sierra?
50 of the 938 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 GMC Sierra (5.3%) describe brakes feeling soft, failing, grinding or squealing. 4 related recalls exist: campaign 19V761000 (service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: wheel speed sensor/tone ring). The fix: GM will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the EBCM, free of charge. One owner wrote: "When backing up, either on a hill or flat surface, the brakes fail to stop the vehicle. There is a pulsing sensation with the brakes due to failure of the vacuum. The brake pedal also becomes impossible to depress. No warning lights appear when this occurs." (NHTSA complaint 11748839, July 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the air conditioning not blowing cold in my 2015 GMC Sierra?
33 of the 938 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 GMC Sierra (3.5%) describe the air conditioning not cooling or failing. One owner wrote: "When parking and turning the wheel the truck stalled, radio turned off and on, ac stopped working, battery reading dropped." (NHTSA complaint 11673860, July 2025). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2015 GMC Sierra transmission jerk, shudder or shift hard?
29 of the 938 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2015 GMC Sierra (3.1%) describe harsh, jerky or delayed transmission shifting or shuddering. One owner wrote: "The 6-speed automatic transmission (6L80) developed a severe shudder during normal driving. A service center diagnosed the problem as torque converter clutch failure; the torque converter sheds metal debris through the transmission, so the transmission now…" (NHTSA complaint 11772673, October 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Check your own Sierra
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2015 only; combines NHTSA's entries for SIERRA 1500, SIERRA 2500 and SIERRA 3500.